By Ruby Bennett

While many people spent their summer at the beach or visiting family, Kailana Williams attended College Horizons, a pre-college program for Native American, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian high school students. 

This week-long program, consisting completely of Indigenous American students, helps in preparation for college. “Basically it’s … a crash course on college … finding scholarships, writing college essays,” said Kailana, a junior at Tempe Prep. 

Not only this, but college admission officers offered their expertise on applying for college and thriving there. This included many important aspects of going to college including application essays, financial aid and meal plans.

 In addition, students attending College Horizons stayed at the University of Redlands freshman dorms, immersing them in life on a college campus.

A vital part of the program for Kailana was meeting people with similar heritage. Kailana is Hawaiian on her mother’s side and often visits family across the islands. “I honestly hadn’t met anyone else Hawaiian who wasn’t related to me, so it was really cool meeting juniors and seniors with the same cultural background,” she said, “… (and) that there are programs like College Horizons for such a small minority.”

Programs like College Horizons offer great opportunities for all kinds of students, with timeless memories and important benefits.